Perceived mindfulness and depressive symptoms among people with chronic pain

The study purpose was to evaluate pain catastrophizing and psychological distress as mediators for the relationship between perceived mindfulness and depressive symptoms in people with chronic pain. We conducted an online cross-sectional survey with 211 adults with chronic musculoskeletal pain recruited from U.S. clinics and community networks. A serial multiple mediation analysis was performed using ordinary least-squares regressions and a bootstrap testing approach. Pain catastrophizing and psychological distress, independently and jointly, mediated the relationship between mindfulness and depressive symptoms. Rehabilitation counseling professionals should consider targeting mindfulness, pain catastrophizing, and psychological distress in psychosocial treatment for people with chronic pain.